And in this case, Spark wasn't even a paid app. The features that the users claim to love here have been free all along, and continue to remain free for those users. Spark has started offering some additional, new features which are now part of a paid subscription.
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Popular Email Client Spark Gets Major Redesign For Mac, Moves to Subscription Model
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I ran the tests. It takes two taps to select and then delete that Spark signature (in iOS). Sent several test messages and after those two taps to remove the Spark sig, that's all that needs to be done. It doesn't show up.
Apps with a single, large upfront cost (tend to) prioritize flashy new features, which entice customers to make the initial purchase in comparison to a subscription model where there is a continued focus on new features + bug fixes + enhancements.
I think there's applicability for both business models, but I don't think Spark has demonstrated the need for a subscription-driven email app.
I tried the same and noticed the system activated 7 day free trial for premium. Wonder if thats the case.
The reason subscription models work for Netflix, Disney+, etc is because they offer ever-changing CONTENT.
The reason subscription models work for highly complex apps or bundles like Photoshop or Office 365 is because those apps used for cost $500+ per version (way back in the day) and can now be affordable to more people at $10/mnth.
But an email client? SERIOUSLY??? There are so many free ones. No reason for this to be a subscription. None.
The reason subscription models work for highly complex apps or bundles like Photoshop or Office 365 is because those apps used for cost $500+ per version (way back in the day) and can now be affordable to more people at $10/mnth.
But an email client? SERIOUSLY??? There are so many free ones. No reason for this to be a subscription. None.
Disagree -- it's minutiae -- in that paying $50-$60 bucks for an app up front IS REASONABLE. If -- and this is what I would want, and DOES seem reasonable -- that $50-$60 charge up front is for that specific version.
When the next rewrite/new version comes out in 2 or 3 years, charge that same amount again for the new version -- with full knowledge that the now 2-3 year old version will still "work," but won't be supported -- I am fine with that.
Personal preference, again. I'd rather pay more up front than a little every month. If that option is not available, I'll find something else. It's maths too: way less expensive in the long run to pay, top end let's say, $60 bucks for an app that'll last 3 years…than it is $8 per month in perpetuity.
If someone just ALWAYS WANTS the new version, then the $8 per month is perfect and I do not have a problem with that model at all. That's what they want. Always new, always willing to pay for all the support and new features.
I don't care about that stuff -- doesn't make me wrong or right either way.
I just wish there was that option.
After Google killed Sparrow, I have tried Spark (among other clients) for a while. It didn't have all the things I needed. Mimestream was the winner and is now my favourite macOS email client.
Looks like a neat email client. Too bad I’ll never use it now. I have never used subscription software and I never will. If I can buy the software and use it sub free, then we’ll talk. But this subscription BS is a non starter.
Or…I’m so sick of having no control over my data and privacy.
You pay because you’re not the product. There is no such thing as free.
It is free unless you have a need for the premium features
Yeah including this app itself which is free unless you want the premium stuff. A lot of the free ones have premium add-on subscriptions.
We don't fundamentally disagree. Personally I hate subscription models and prefer to pay upfront for a specific version and then again, if it suits me, for the next version.
I think the fundamental problem for app developers is that very few people will probably agree that $50-60 is reasonable for a standalone email app. I'm not saying that's not what it takes to develop and sell with a profit, I simply don't know. What I am saying is that I have not yet come across any personal use case that would justify the expense. I would pay $5-10 and then the same again in a few years if it's worth it. If that's not feasible I'd rather go with the included email client or pay for something like O365 which delivers so much more for the same price.
Most apps just don't deliver enough benefit to warrant the price, even if they are well made, and that's why it's such a tough market.
Meanwhile, Apple Mail remains free and, for me, is more than good enough.
I’m planning on doing the same. Not many email clients that give you the option to return to your mail list instead of just opening another email. I’ve been using Edison on my iPhone since iOS 16 because Spark just seemed to not work? Badge number was always wrong and emails never seemed to load. Edison seems to have gotten better over time.
Also, any company that puts the max payment option as the default with a small option to skip tucked away in a corner seems kind of hinky.
But, FWIW, I’m still able to send an email without their wonky signature being added. Probably because I’m “grandfathered in”. I’m sure if I reinstalled it again, it would be there. Maybe even a future update could enforce this.
Hear me out...
YouTube is pushing Shorts to compete with TikTok and other social platforms. They want a piece of that revenue. Therefore creators are heavily "suggested" to create Shorts. They start popping up more often because of YouTube's influence.
Subscriptions are the same on the App Store. Apple wants subscriptions. Apple wants try before you buy. Developers are heavily suggested to go subscription, whether people like it or not.
Source: Am developer.
YouTube is pushing Shorts to compete with TikTok and other social platforms. They want a piece of that revenue. Therefore creators are heavily "suggested" to create Shorts. They start popping up more often because of YouTube's influence.
Subscriptions are the same on the App Store. Apple wants subscriptions. Apple wants try before you buy. Developers are heavily suggested to go subscription, whether people like it or not.
Source: Am developer.
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That is also THE deal breaker for me. No way I'm going to accept "sent by spark" on all my professional emails.
I use Spark on iOS because the default mail app lacks one essential feature that I need. Since I liked it there, I started to use Spark on Mac also. But not if I have to have "sent by spark" on all my emails.
Except, you will have to accept ads in all the emails you send, namely "sent by spark." That is a serious downgrade.
That's not really a fair comparison. In the case of the electrician, you had to pay to have repairs done whereas Spark covers "repairs" (bug fixes) indefinitely as part of the monthly subscription. The subscription also covers ongoing premium usage, updates, improvements, etc. of their product.
Also, with electrical systems and devices in addition to paying for the initial cost (which there is none specifically with Spark), you have to pay for all out of warranty repairs as well as a "subscription" of sorts via your monthly electric bill.
Besides, Spark is still available for "free" outside of various premium features. Some will be quite content with the free option while others will choose premium or may go with a different product.
Thanks for the heads up!
I don't think I actually have that enforced signature at the moment, but I'm going to stop updating my Spark app any more on both, my Mac & my iPhone. Hopefully that delays the inevitable for a while, but I've already started looking for suitable alternatives. To anyone reading this post, feel free to quote me with some recommendations!